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Abstract

Water limitation significantly impacts ornamental plant production, particularly in arid regions. Tagetes erecta L. is well known for its decorative value and therapeutic importance as well as its sensitivity to low water availability. This study explores the application of chitosan oligosaccharides (COS) sprays at different levels (50, 200, and 500 ppm) in enhancing plant resilience to drought stress while maintaining their optimal physiological performance. The plants were watered on two different schedules (every two days and every six days). Drought conditions (every six days) resulted in decreased plant growth, chlorophyll composition, carbohydrate levels, and increased proline accumulation, and oxidative stress. The application of COS, particularly at moderate concentrations (50–200 ppm), improved plant performance. The treated plants showed enhanced growth, increased nutrient levels (carbohydrates, k and Ca), and retained photosynthetic pigments. Concurrently, COS reinforced the antioxidant defense system of the plant, enhancing the activity of crucial enzymes (SOD, CAT, and APX) and diminishing oxidative damage (H2O2). Drought alone stimulated phenolic compound accumulation and antioxidant activity. The COS application resulted in stronger antimicrobial properties of plant extracts against several pathogenic microorganisms. Overall, the results indicate that COS provides benefits beyond protecting stressed plants. This process enables them to adapt more efficiently and enhances their biochemical and medicinal properties. The dual benefit of COS shows that it could be a long-term strategic application for growing T. erecta in arid areas

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